Setting Boundaries: Laurie Ruettimann on Deliberate Work in 2026

In a recent LinkedIn post, Laurie Ruettimann discusses the often challenging, yet ultimately rewarding, process of setting clear goals for the upcoming year. Ruettimann frames the act not as a radical reinvention or a pursuit of abstract manifestation, but as a deliberate naming of priorities and a recognition of limitations.

Ruettimann shares her own experience, noting the difficulty involved:

Boy, that was painful.

The core of Ruettimann’s message revolves around intentionality. She emphasizes that setting goals is about defining where one’s time and energy will be directed, and crucially, where they will not. This approach, according to Ruettimann, is essential for those who find the traditional concept of goal-setting off-putting but still desire a structured and deliberate approach to their professional lives.

Defining Deliberate Work

Ruettimann clarifies her perspective on what constitutes effective goal-setting. She states:

For the record, I am not reinventing myself. I am not manifesting anything. I am naming where my time and energy are going in 2026, and where they are not.

This distinction is key to Ruettimann’s philosophy. By reframing goals as a practical allocation of resources rather than an aspirational leap, she aims to demystify the process and make it more accessible. As Ruettimann points out, this practical approach is particularly relevant for individuals who may feel resistant to conventional goal-setting methodologies.

The Importance of Limits and Tradeoffs

A central theme in Ruettimann’s post is the acceptance of limits and tradeoffs. She explicitly lists her priorities for 2026: Coaching, Speaking, Writing, and Health. Crucially, she adds context to these objectives:

Goals: Coaching. Speaking. Writing. Health. I’m doing this with limits, tradeoffs, and no interest in moving fast.

This statement underscores Ruettimann’s belief that sustainable progress is often achieved through measured steps and a clear understanding of what must be sacrificed to achieve what is prioritized. In Ruettimann’s view, acknowledging these constraints is not a sign of weakness but a marker of realistic planning and self-awareness. This contrasts with approaches that might encourage limitless ambition without considering the practical implications.

A Practical Approach for the Reluctant

Ruettimann extends an invitation to those who share her reservations about traditional goal-setting. She suggests that her approach might offer a viable alternative for professionals seeking to be more intentional about their work without adopting a mindset they find uncomfortable.

According to Ruettimann, the post she references aims to provide practical guidance:

If you bristle at goals the way I do but still want to be deliberate about your work, this post below might be useful!

This highlights Ruettimann’s commitment to offering actionable advice that resonates with a broader audience, particularly those who may feel alienated by the often-hyped rhetoric surrounding personal and professional development. Her insights suggest that deliberate action, grounded in realistic assessments of time and energy, can be a powerful driver of meaningful progress.